Steve McManaman believes Wayne Rooney (and Steven Gerrard) should have continued for England

Wayne Rooney called time on his international career on Wednesday afternoon.

The 31-year-old had been tipped to return to the England squad after a bright start to the season with Everton, and was contacted by Gareth Southgate on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of playing for the national side in next month's World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia. However, as explained by his statement on Wednesday, Rooney told the England manager that he had decided to retire from international football. Speaking ahead of Liverpool's Champions League qualifier with Hoffenheim, former England international Steve McManaman said it was "a pity" that Rooney had opted not to continue for the Three Lions. "Obviously, we respect his decision, especially going to a new club," he told Gary Lineker on BT Sport. "But I think it's a pity. Our best players in England shirts get more criticism than they deserve. "Like this gentleman sitting next to me [Steven Gerrard], I think they both should've carried on for longer. They deserved to play more game and they still are our best players." https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/900420622244880385 Rooney will now focus exclusively on his club career. He returns to action at Stamford Bridge over the weekend when his Everton side face champions, Chelsea.